662. a sparkling antique Karabagh Caucasian rug

662. Provenance: Karabagh, Armenia/Azerbaijan, The Caucasus

Size: 220 x 116 cm

Age: Circa 1900

Condition: Generally good for age. Some corrosion of the purple dye. Minor wear.

Notes: Ngorno-Karabahk is a mountainous region that is disputed between Azerbaijan to the east and Armenia to the west. The area is mostly Armenian in the lowlands and Kurdish in the mountains, but it has historically been part of Azerbaijan. It is now under Armenian occupation after their victory in the conflict. This is a vibrant and dynamic tribal rug, with an abundance of varied dyes, some natural some quite wildly not (a rather whacky lime green, the unusual corroded purple, the bold yellow). This piece displays the virtues of childlike vision and playfulness that are so valued in true tribal pieces. Even the use of somewhat over-confident dyestuffs hints at a joie-de-vivre and willingness to experiment. Lighten your life with this antique gem.